Diane: Symptoms of depression

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Here are some symptoms of depression:

Symptoms of Depression

persistent sadness or unhappiness

lethargy

loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

irritability

sudden change in appetite

disruption of normal sleep pattern

physical discomfort

difficulty thinking or concentrating

thoughts of suicide or death.

Depression can be very different for every individual. If you find that

you are crying more than usual, at things that normally wouldn't make you want

to cry, or if you have no interest in things.... those are usually pretty

good indicators. Sometimes over-eating or not even wanting to eat can be

symptoms. I think most people that I see (I'm a therapist) determine that they

are

depressed after a long struggle with just not feeling " right " or " normal " . I

think that many people have been depressed for most of their lives, but just

never really knew it. Of course, there are types of situational depression

which occur after some kind of a trauma or incident (death, divorce, move to a

new

town where you don't know anyone, miscarriage, etc...). These types of

depression can be devastating but usually the grief process takes place in a

certain amount of time and people are able to move on. SOME people don't move

on

though, and need some help. While others have a definite difference in their

brain and need help all of the time to overcome the feelings of isolation and

despair. Depression is such a cruel disease. And it CAN be treated, so it is

definitely something to talk to your physician about (or someone else whom you

trust).

I have very strong feelings about depression because I see so many sad

people every day. I know that I was extremely depressed when I was so

overweight and I struggled with depression after I lost weight, wondering why I

didn't

feel better just because the weight was gone. Change is a tough road for me.

I hope that helps, Diane. Please keep asking questions if you think

you're affected. One of the great problems with depression is that there is

still

such a stigma attached to it and most people suffer in silence. Sometimes

just talking about it with others helps immensely!

Dee